A group of high school students from various countries attended New Mexico State University (NMSU) this summer for hands-on research in astrophysics and cell biology. The students spent five weeks on campus, working with NMSU faculty and using university facilities to conduct experiments and collaborate on scientific projects.
The Summer Science Program (SSP), run in partnership with SSP International, brings together motivated students interested in science for immersive experiences. NMSU began hosting the program’s astrophysics track in 2023 through its astronomy department. This year, the university expanded its involvement by adding a cell biology track hosted by the biology department.
In Foster Hall, cell biology participants used CRISPR gene editing technology to disrupt specific genes linked to human diseases. Jovani Catalan, an assistant professor in the biology department at NMSU, supervised the group’s laboratory work.
“These students are some of the best I’ve ever had the pleasure to work with. They are the future of science and medicine,” Catalan said. “I told these students that they are the trailblazers. If this goes well, they want to expand to have two programs of cell bio running at the same time in the biology department here.” He noted that access to NMSU’s labs and equipment helped support both technical skills and teamwork among participants.
Amanda Shener, a student from Maryland planning to pursue an MD-Ph.D., said, “I truly think that that’s the most fundamental part of science. You can’t do it alone.”
Gabriel Liscano, a participant from Georgia interested in biomedical research and medicine, commented on his experience: “There aren’t that many places around me where I can get wet lab experience or more hands-on experience. This is an amazing opportunity for me to train and learn more about my interests and see if research is potentially the right field for me.”
Students in the astrophysics program worked on identifying and tracking asteroids considered potentially hazardous to Earth. Adam Rengstorf, academic director for SSP astrophysics, explained how collaborative research was central to their activities.
“We deliberately try to challenge everything,” Rengstorf said. “Learning how to work on a challenging research project as a common goal I think is new to a lot of these students. You really get to see growth and confidence in being able to work together and ask for help.”
Rengstorf also highlighted NMSU’s supportive environment: “It’s just the right combination. The right people in the right place in the right geography.” He has been involved with SSP for 14 years.
Both Catalan and Rengstorf acknowledged their departments’ contributions—biology managed logistics while astronomy provided access to Tortugas Mountain Observatory and other resources.
Faculty members gave lectures about their own research at NMSU during the program. At summer’s end, participants left with new skills not only in scientific inquiry but also collaboration across cultures.
Anna Atayev from Turkmenistan reflected on her personal development during SSP: “I could see some parts of myself that I really wouldn’t even notice before,” she said. “At first I really struggled to ask help from others because I thought that I needed to do it by myself first. The program opens you up personally and academically.”
